Orpington's much-loved Walnuts Leisure Centre has reopened its doors in style, with crowds of residents turning out under brilliant summer sunshine to celebrate the completion of its £17 million transformation.
The centre was officially reopened by the Mayor of Bromley, Councillor Christine Harris, in a celebration that had the feel of a genuine town-wide party. As the ribbon was cut, a New Orleans brass band struck up to launch a day of entertainment provided by Orpington 1st BID, setting an upbeat tone for residents who had been waiting eagerly to get inside and explore the new facilities.
A Day to Remember
Outside the centre, market stalls run by local partners and leisure clubs gave visitors plenty to explore, with a smoothie bike proving a popular way to make a healthy drink and ice cream on hand to cool everyone down.
Acrobatic performers wowed the crowds with feats of fitness, Bromley FC brought along their League Two trophy for fans to admire, and football choreographer Mike Delaney helped residents polish up their skills. Orpington Library also laid on special sports-themed activities to keep younger members of the community entertained throughout the day.
What's New Inside
Behind the doors, residents found a genuinely transformed centre. Highlights include:
- A new competition-length swimming pool and training pool
- A bright new reception and café area
- A refreshed and newly marked sports hall
- A children's splash wall for family fun
- A new sauna and steam room for post-workout relaxation
- An expanded two-level gym with a functional training area and brand-new equipment
- State-of-the-art EGYM smart strength training equipment, offering adjustable, personalised workouts and rehabilitation support
- A completely new heating system to help reduce running costs
- Improved pool accessibility, including a Poolpod lift
- New Changing Places and accessible toilets
The centre has also been quietly building community connections throughout its refurbishment: local care-experienced young people took part in a photography project during the works, capturing the transformation as it happened and gaining hands-on insight into the construction industry along the way. Their photographs are now showcased inside the centre.
Voices from the Celebration
The Mayor of Bromley, Councillor Christine Harris, reflected on what the day meant for the community: "It was wonderful to see residents coming together for the opening. Our leisure centres are so important for both improving our health and creating a sense of belonging."
Steve May, Chief Executive Officer at Mytime Active, the borough's long-standing leisure partner, echoed that sentiment: "For Mytime Active, this is about far more than reopening a leisure centre; it's restoring a place that sits at the heart of the community."
Local business leaders were equally delighted. Gary Valentine, Chairman of Orpington 1st BID, said:
"We are delighted that this important local asset is back welcoming residents again, bringing more visitors to the town centre. It's great to see such a significant investment in Orpington, and we hope it can act as a catalyst for further positive change. We're looking forward to continuing to work in partnership with Mytime Active and their dedicated team."
Councillor Yvonne Bear, Executive Councillor for Renewal, Recreation and Housing, added: "As a hub for regional sporting excellence and a welcoming centre for families and visitors, the refreshed Walnuts Leisure Centre in Orpington is a huge boost to the leisure facilities in the Borough. It's great to see residents enjoying the centre once more."
Open for Business
With the celebrations now behind it, the Walnuts is back to what it does best: welcoming residents of all ages through its doors for swimming, fitness and family fun. Membership packages are available to suit every need, giving Orpington a genuinely first-class facility to enjoy for years to come.
